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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.