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Just eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

“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 manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.