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It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.