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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

“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 proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.