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A mere two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.