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A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.