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A mere two months prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.