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Just two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

“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 was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.