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It was two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.