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It was two months ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the team'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, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.