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It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration 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. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.