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Just two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator 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.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.