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It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.