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It was two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source 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, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.