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A mere two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.