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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.