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It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.