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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.