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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.