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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.

The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.