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A mere two months prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.