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It was two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.