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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.