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Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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 opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.