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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.