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A mere 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.