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A mere two months ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial England player.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended 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.