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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.