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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of 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 sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.