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It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.