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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason for 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 manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.