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Just 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom 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.”

In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

According to Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”

Can It Last?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.