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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

“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 proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.