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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

“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 sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.