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It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“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 entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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 managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he showed in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.