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Just 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.