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A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's wider issues.

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

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.

According to the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.

“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”

Can It Last?

Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.

Reasons for Optimism

Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.

• The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
• Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
• The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.

This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Savoring the Moment

But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.