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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.