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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.