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A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.