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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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 had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.