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Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.