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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.