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Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

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

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.