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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.