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A mere eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.