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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator 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.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.