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A mere two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished 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 loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.