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It was two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's wider issues.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.