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It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.