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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.