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Just two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.

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

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.

“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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.

• The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.