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It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.