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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.