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It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.