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Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.