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A mere two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.