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It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for the team'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 was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.