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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the source of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.