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It was 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for 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 sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.