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A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.