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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games 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 they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.