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It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of the team'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 manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.