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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.