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A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

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

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.