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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.