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A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.

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

In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?

It remains a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.

According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus United.

Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“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?

Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.

Relishing the Unlikely

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.

The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.