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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.