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Just 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.