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A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.