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It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, 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 hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.