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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing United.

His opener came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.