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It was two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.