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It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.