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It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.