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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.