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It was two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.