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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.