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Just two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Challengers?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.