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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.