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It was 60 days in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.