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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies 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. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.