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A mere two months ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.