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Just 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.