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It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.

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

In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?

This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.

Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.

“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?

Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.

Potential for Growth

Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.

Savoring the Moment

But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.

This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.