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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

“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 proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.