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A mere 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have stacked up.

As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.