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It was two months prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.