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A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.