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It was 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.