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A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the side'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 proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.