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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.

His opener came from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.