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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.