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A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.