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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.