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It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.