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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.