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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.