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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.