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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.