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It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As 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 shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.