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It was eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.