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A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.