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It was eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.