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It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.