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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.