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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.