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A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.