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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.