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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.