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It was two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of the side'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 manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.