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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.