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Just 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign 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.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.