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A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.