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It was two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

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

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.