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Just 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.