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It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.