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It was two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team'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 manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

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

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.