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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.