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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.