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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.