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Just two months prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

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

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.