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It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause for 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, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.