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Just two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.