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It was eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.

According to the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.