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Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom 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.”

In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.