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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.