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It was 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.