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Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

As per the data, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.