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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. 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 now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.