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A mere 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side'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 sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.