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Just 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.