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It was two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?

That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.

Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“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. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.