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It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.