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A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

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. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.