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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.