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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.