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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now 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 and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.