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A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.