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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.