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Just two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.