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It was two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.