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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.