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It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason of Villa'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 sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica 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?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential England player.

The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.