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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.