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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.