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Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.