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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.