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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.