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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.