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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.