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It was two months prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be 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 at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.