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A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.