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Just 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.