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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.