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A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.