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A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.