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A mere 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

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

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility 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. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.