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A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that 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. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.