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It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

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

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.