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A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.