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Just 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.