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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.