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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

“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. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Challengers?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.