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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.