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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica 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 had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.