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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.