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It was two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.