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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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 efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.