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It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End after the match 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 must be appreciated.