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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source for 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 touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.