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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.