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Just 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.