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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.