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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source 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 touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.