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It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.