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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.