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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.