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Just eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.