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It was two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.