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A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.