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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.