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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.