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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.