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A mere 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.