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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.