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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.