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A mere 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.

According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.

A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.