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It was 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.