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Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.