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It was two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.