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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.