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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.