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It was two months ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.