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It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa'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 much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.