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A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

As per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.