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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.