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A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

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

A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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 is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.