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It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.