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A mere two months prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.