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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.