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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.