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A mere two months in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

“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 far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.