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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.