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It was eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.