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It was two months ago that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.

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

This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.

Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.

His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

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

Enjoying the Ride

However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.