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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.