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It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.