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It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying 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.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.