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It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the force he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.