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Just two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United 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 all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.