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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.