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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.