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A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.