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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.

Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.