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A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

“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 far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.