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Just two months prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa'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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.