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It was two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the side'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, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.