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It was two months prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just 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 seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.