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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.