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It was two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.