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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

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

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. 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 crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.