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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.