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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.