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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.