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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts 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 games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.