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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.