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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.