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A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source for Villa's wider issues.

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

This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Reliant Strategy

Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
• The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.

This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.