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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.