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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.