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Just 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to the data, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.