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Just two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.