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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.