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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for 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 sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.