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It was 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.