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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.