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It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

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

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading 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 Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.