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It was eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.