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It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.