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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause of 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, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.