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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.