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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.