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Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa'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 touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.

• The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.