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A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason for the side'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, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.