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It was eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign 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.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.