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It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.