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Just two months prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.