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A mere two months ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that 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. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.