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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.