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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.