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A mere two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.