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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, 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 stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

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

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky 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.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.