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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. As Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.