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A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.