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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.