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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.