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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team'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, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.