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Just 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.