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It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.