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Just two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.