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Just two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.