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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom 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.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.