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A mere eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“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 had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.