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Just two months prior when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances 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.”

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.