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It was 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances 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.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.