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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.