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It was two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica 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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.