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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.