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A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the source of 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 much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.