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Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.