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A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.