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It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.