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It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

“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 was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.