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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.

“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 proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.