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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.