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A mere two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.