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Just two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.