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Just 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of 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, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.