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A mere two months ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the wins have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“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. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.