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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

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

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.