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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.