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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.