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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side'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 much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal 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.”

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 just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.