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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.