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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.