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A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.