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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.