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A mere two months prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.