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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.