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A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.