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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.