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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.