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It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.