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Just 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.