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A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.