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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.