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Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.