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Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.