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Just two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

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

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.