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A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.