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It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.