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A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.