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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

It remains a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match 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 ought to be celebrated.