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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.