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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

“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 much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.