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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.