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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason 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, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.