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It was two months ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

As per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.