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It was eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa'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 far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.