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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first 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, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.