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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.