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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.