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Just two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.