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It was two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.