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Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.