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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.