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Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.

According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.