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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.