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Just 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.