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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason 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, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.