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Just 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side'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 touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.