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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.