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It was two months ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.

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

On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.

Are They Serious Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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?

Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.

• The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
• The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
• The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.

Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.