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It was 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.