It was eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
Marcus Sterling is a financial analyst specializing in precious metals, with over 15 years of experience in global markets and investment strategies.