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It was two months in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa'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 manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have piled up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.