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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.