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It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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 registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.