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It was 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.