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A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.