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A mere eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the team's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Reliant Strategy

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.

His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.

• The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The winger might become the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.

Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Savoring the Moment

Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.