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It was eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.