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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.