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It was two months ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.