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Just 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.