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Just two months prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker may begin to scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.