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It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.