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It was 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.