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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought 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 is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.