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It was 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Hopefuls?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially 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 registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.