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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.