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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa'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, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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 had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.