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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side'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 touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.