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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.