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A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.