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Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.