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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.