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Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.