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Just 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source of the side'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 sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.