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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.