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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.