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Just 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator 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.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.