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It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.