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Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.