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A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.