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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of 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 do not happen often and should be relished.