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Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.