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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side'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 proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.