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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When 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 are rare in football and should be relished.