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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.