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A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.