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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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 opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has 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 could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.