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Just 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause for 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 manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.