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A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.