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It was 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances 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 touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.