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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.