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A mere 60 days ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source for 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, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering 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 one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.