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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.