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Just 60 days prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.

Per the data, twice all season has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be 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. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.