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It was two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.