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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.