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A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause 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, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.