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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.