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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.