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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.