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It was eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.