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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.