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It was two months ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.