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Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of 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, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner 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 may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.