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It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.