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It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.