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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.