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It was two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.