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It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, 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 look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.