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Just two months prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa'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 touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.