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Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.