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Just two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.