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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.