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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.

“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 much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.