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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.