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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.