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A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.