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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.