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Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.