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It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.