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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.