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Just two months ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.