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It was two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.