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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.