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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.