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It was 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.