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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.