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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa'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 proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.