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Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.

The Rogers Recipe

Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.

His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start scoring again.
• The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.