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It was eight weeks prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the source for the team's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.