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A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.