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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.