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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.