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A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.