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Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.