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It was 60 days ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.

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

This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against United.

His opener came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.

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

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

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

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.