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It was two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of Villa's wider issues.

“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 proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.