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It was 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of 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, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.