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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.