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Just two months ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.