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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.