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Just 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.