Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
Yet, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.
His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.
However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.
His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two individual five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.
Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
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