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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener 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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.