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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.