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Just eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.