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Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.