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It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.