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A mere two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.