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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.