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A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.