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It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.