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A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.