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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

This is a rather hard question to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.