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It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.