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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.