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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.

His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.