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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.