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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.