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Just two months ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.