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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.