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A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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 a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.