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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.