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A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.