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Just 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.