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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.