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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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 registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.