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Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side'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, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.