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A mere two months prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.