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A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause 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 entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.