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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.