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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.