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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.