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A mere two months prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.