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Just eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator 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.”

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.