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Just two months ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.