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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.