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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.