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It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause of the team'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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.