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Just 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered 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 fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.