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It was 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
• The winger could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.