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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.