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A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.