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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.