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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.