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Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.