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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.