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A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.