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It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, 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 should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.