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Just two months prior that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.

As per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.