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It was 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.