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It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.