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A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. 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 could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.