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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.