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Just two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.