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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.