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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

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. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.