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It was 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason 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, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.