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It was two months prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.