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A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.