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Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.