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A mere two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.