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A mere two months prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign 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.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.