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A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, 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, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.