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A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.