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A mere 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side'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 manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.