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It was two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.