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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.