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A mere two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.