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Just eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.

The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

Potential for Growth

Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.

This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.