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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.