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A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have accumulated.

As per the data, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.