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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.