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It was two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.