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Just two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet find their top level.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.