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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.