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Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed 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.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.