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It was two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.