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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.