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It was two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.