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Just 60 days prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.