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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.