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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.