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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.