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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.