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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

“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 entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.