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Just 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.