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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa'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, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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 efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.