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It was 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team'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 touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.