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It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.