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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.