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A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.

“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 much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.