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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.