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A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, 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 certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.