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It was 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.