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A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.